Edward Lee Combs

Brownsburg - Edward Lee Combs of Brownsburg, Indiana passed away July 3, 2018 at his residence.

He was born December 21, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana to Lee Emerson Combs and Hazel Eileen Taylor. Mr Combs was a graduate of Fort Wayne Elmhurst High School. During the Korean War, he served as a senior intelligence analyst for the United States Air Force in the Mediterranean Area and with the National Security Agency in Washington, DC.

Upon leaving NSA, he enrolled at Purdue University, earning B.S., M.S. and Ed.S degrees. He was employed by the Lafayette School Corporation as a social studies teacher at Tecumseh Junior High School from 1959 to 1969, as Director of Guidance at Tippecanoe Junior High School from 1969 to 1979 and as a guidance counselor at Jefferson High School from 1979 until his retirement in 1995.

Mr Combs was a life member of the Purdue Alumni Association and the National Education Association. He was also a member of the Air Force Association, the Air Force Intelligence Alumni Association, American Legion Post 11 and a former member of the Exchange Club of Lafayette. He was also a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Mr Combs served on the Board of Directors for the Group Homes for Children, a past member of the Youth Service Bureau of Tippecanoe County's Board of Directors, a former member of the Advisory Council for the Tippecanoe County Volunteers for Youth and a Past President of the Southern Indiana-Kentucky District Exchange Clubs.

His first marriage was to Joyce Lee Coash on December 28, 1969 in Crown Point, Indiana. She preceded him in death on August 5, 1999. His second marriage was to Martha Jane Brown on July 20, 2002 in West Lafayette, Indiana.

He is survived by a step-son, Neal Jason Brown (Aimee); a step-granddaughter, Isabella Grace Brown; a step-grandson, Alexander Vaughn Brown of Brownsburg; a sister, Nancy Ann Cutshall (William) and three nieces, 2 nephews, five grand-nieces and 6 grand-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Don E. Combs (Mildred) of Manhattan, Kansas.

Private interment will be at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Campbelltown, Indiana.

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Published by Journal & Courier on Jul. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Combs

Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – West Lafayette Chapel.

10 Entries

James Banks

March 29, 2024

Mr. Combs was my supervising teacher when I did my six weeks of student teaching in the Fall of 1962 while completing my BS at Purdue University. I taught at the junior high school in West Lafayette. Mr. Combs was a great mentor and I recall his firm yet gentile manner as both a coach and friend. I only knew him those brief weeks of student teaching, but I learned so much just being in his company.

My best to his family and all those who shared is company.

James Banks
Medina, Ohio. 44256

Monique Jackson

August 5, 2018

He was a kind man ,I just found out today he pasted,sorry for the lost of such a good guy he will be missed.

Joe Dodds

July 9, 2018

i remember Mr. Combs from Tecumseh Junior High, he was a dedicated teacher and he took pride in his job with helping kids grow and understand. When I saw his name in the obits I thoughtt , There is a name from the past. hows how dedicated of an educator he was, it has been 59 years since he was one of my teachers and I still remember his name and personaity.

Jim Adams

July 8, 2018

Mr. Combs was my 7th grade geography Teacher (~ 55 years ago!). Of all of my public school teachers, college professors, and military instructors, Mr. Combs was my most memorable teacher. I knew that he had an Intelligence background when I was his student, and as a 13 year-old boy, I was fascinated by this. My prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Thank you and God Bless. Jim Adams

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Joseph Bumbleburgv

July 7, 2018

Ed was a truely delightful man. Hours with him in rehab were good and just visiting with him on other occasions were times well spent. You have my deepest condolences.

Bill Raley

July 6, 2018

Ed was one of the better men I ever knew. He truly cared about others and his community..and it showed. God's peace to his family.

Tony Gregory

July 6, 2018

Had him as a Social studies teacher at Tippy. He loved the ruler game. He was very quick with his hands. Was a great teacher.

LuAnn Bogggess

July 6, 2018

Ed's generosity made it possible for St. Andrew United Methodist Church (West Lafayette) to purchase an Allen organ that is still being enjoyed today. (I was organist at the time it was purchased.) He was a very kind and friendly person. Our congregation sends their sympathies to Ed's family.

Sandy Burke

July 6, 2018

I feel blessed to have worked with Ed (affectionately called Eddie by some of us in the JHS Guidance Office). I sought his advice and guidance hundreds of times. He was a kind soul who was always ready and willing to listen and so much fun to work with- along with Frank, George, Jean, Debbie, Dick, and Nadine, We hope we all leave this world a bit better; Ed accomplished that with. Flying colors.

Debbie Tayor

July 6, 2018

Keeping your family in prayer. Ed was such a sweet man. Ed and my late husband Ken Taylor were related and we had many good times in Lafayette together..
Debbie Taylor

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